Born out of a desire to re-evaluate the influence of digital platforms on music consumption, Pause, Play began as an archival space for the ‘Listening Beyond the Algorithm’ project.
This initiative examined how algorithmic curation dictates what we hear, how we hear it, and ultimately, how we form relationships with music. By challenging the dominance of these systems, Pause, Play invites listeners to reclaim agency in their musical experiences.
At its core, this project is about slowing down.
In an era where music is instantly accessible yet often disposable, Pause, Play asks: what happens when we engage with music more deliberately? How do personal recommendations, memory, and physical media change the way we listen?
By moving away from the frictionless ease of streaming, this space fosters intentional discovery—whether through mixtapes, conversations, or other alternative formats of sharing.
Through workshops, a radio show, and ongoing experiments in collective listening, Pause, Play encourages dialogue around the way we consume and value music today. It is not anti-technology but rather a critical response to the ways in which digital infrastructures mediate our experiences. The goal is not to reject streaming entirely, but to question its effects and imagine a more human approach to music discovery—one rooted in curiosity, storytelling, and shared experience.
Whether you’re here to explore the archive, contribute your own discoveries, or simply take a step back from the algorithmic noise, Pause, Play is an open invitation to listen differently.